Best Places to Live in Flagstaff

Moving to Flagstaff, AZ, could not be easier thanks to this guide to the top neighborhoods in Flagstaff!

Flagstaff, Arizona, is an excellent place to live that is home to several fantastic neighborhoods to choose from, whether you are looking for new construction single-family homes in Flagstaff, townhomes for sale in Flagstaff, or condos for sale in Flagstaff.

Recognized as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks Mountain range and the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a safe city in Arizona. It offers its residents a dense suburban feel and is home to over 73,300 residents.

Known to be a great place to raise a family, there are tons of opportunities available for all ages and plenty of activities and events to check out without having to travel far from home.

Even though Flagstaff may be considered an affluent area since it has a cost of living that is 14% higher than the national average, there are plenty of property types and home styles available that vary in price and size, making this an ideal place to live for all lifestyles.

So if you are moving to Flagstaff and want to learn more about the best places to live, keep reading!

Here are the best places to live in Flagstaff, AZ!

Downtown Flagstaff

In the western area of the city, Downtown Flagstaff is the city's cultural center and is full of many things to do, including walking tours, a brewery trail, and must-visit art galleries.

Considered to be one of the best downtown areas in the state of Arizona, Downtown Flagstaff is chock full of free-spirited individuals who love spending time outdoors and soaking up the mountain culture that Flagstaff is known for.

Full of small, local businesses and world-class restaurants, Downtown Flagstaff is the place to be for young professionals and college students since it is located close to Northern Arizona University.

With a high-walkability score and a historic district, this charming community is a great place to live in Flagstaff.

Local Favorites:

• Lowell Observatory: Established in 1894, this astronomical observatory is one of the oldest observatories in the United States and offers visitors the chance to view through the historic 24-inch Clark telescope at any time during the day
• Museum of Northern Arizona: Founded in 1928, this historic exhibit building has nine galleries that showcase collections of more than five million Native American artifacts and fine art pieces
• Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: This historic site borders Northern Arizona University and was built in 1904 for two Riordan families that played an essential role in establishing Flagstaff's early lumber industry

Forest Highlands

Often called the "Paradise in the Pines," the neighborhood of Forest Highlands was first established in 1987 and is located only two hours North of Phoenix.

Consisting of 1,100 acres, the Forest Highlands community is centered around the Forest Highlands Golf Club, making it one of the finest residential golf communities in Flagstaff.

Featuring custom-built homes with exquisite views of the surrounding Ponderosa Pines, living in Forest Highlands offers its residents a deep sense of peace just minutes away from Downtown Flagstaff.

Local Favorites:

• Forest Highlands Golf Club: Offering two award-winning championship golf courses in a magnificent mountain setting and high-altitude landscape
• Walnut Canyon National Monument: Home to remarkable geological formations, this national monument is undoubtedly worth visiting and is located only 10 miles southeast of downtown Flagstaff
• Wupatki National Monument: Administered by the National Park Service, this national monument is a Native American archeological site and preserves pueblos once inhabited by the Hopi and Zuni people

Kachina Village

Kachina Village is a census-designated place to live in Coconino County that is home to a population of over 3,000 people and is found approximately seven miles south of Flagstaff and is less than two square miles in size.

Primarily known as a bedroom community for Flagstaff, Kachina Village started gaining popularity in the mid-60s for its affordability inside the Flagstaff city limits.

Even though the cabins found in Kachina Village were built as vacation homes, this second-home community offers a cozy feel and typically sells in the low 300s.

Since Kachina Village backs up the National Forest Service land, most residents can be found hiking and participating in various outdoor adventures.

Local Favorites:

• Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course: Offering treetop obstacle courses for kids and adults, have the chance to zipline or climb across the trees in this excellent Flagstaff adventure
• The Arboretum at Flagstaff: This 200-acre arboretum is a unique destination and is home to more than 750 native plants that are drought-tolerant and found in the high-desert Colorado Plateau
• Fort Tuthill County Park: This 413-acre regional park is found three miles south of Flagstaff and includes hiking trails, equestrian facilities, fairgrounds, archery targets, and the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Pine Canyon

The friendly gated community of Pine Canyon in Flagstaff is a luxurious golf community that is the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and discover all Flagstaff has to offer.

Giving the Forest Highlands Golf Club a run for its money, Pine Canyon is full of many magnificent homes. It is often described as a refuge for residents to breathe fresh mountain air away from busy city life.

By prioritizing health and wellness, the community of Pine Canyon is home to a championship golf course designed by Jay Morrish and a top-rated restaurant that serves dishes only made using the freshest and local seasonal ingredients.

Local Favorites:

• The Northern Pines Restaurant: The go-to spot for classic American fare, including sandwiches, steaks, and local beer on tap
• Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar: Dine on American dishes and tasty treats in this airy restaurant that embraces traditional roots and features a beautiful terrace
• The Last Haul Coffee and Wine Lounge: Located in the Woody Mountain Campground, this coffee shop and lounge provides delicious breakfast options, locally roasted coffee, and a wide selection of Arizona wines

Cheshire

Chesire is a growing community in Flagstaff with a median age of 44, which means that this is a great place to live for families and young professionals.

Offering its residents amazing views of the surrounding mountains and desert, Cheshire is a safe and dog-friendly neighborhood with mostly three-bedroom and two-bathroom homes.

For those moving with school-aged children, some of the top schools in the area include Charles W. Sechrist Elementary School, Mount Elden Middle School, and Flagstaff High School.

Local Favorites:

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Located North of Flagstaff, this crater is the youngest in a string of volcanoes and is open to everyone with great hiking paths and super cool scenery
• Arizona Snowbowl: Receiving 260 inches of average snowfall, this mountainside ski resort offers some of the best skiing in the state of Arizona, causal rooms, and cabins with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi
• Lava River Cave: Formed nearly 700,000 years ago by molten rock, this lava cave is found in the Coconino National Forest and is the longest cave of its kind in Arizona

University Heights

Located southwest of Northern Arizona University, University Heights is a quiet family neighborhood home to college students since it is close to local schools and shopping opportunities.

Home to single-family homes and multiple apartment complexes, University Heights has a median age of 29, which makes it one of the youngest communities in Flagstaff.

Beloved for its convenient location, peaceful way of life, and high safety rating, University Heights is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Flagstaff.

Local Favorites:

• Shift Kitchen and Bar: Dine on a seasonal menu of small American plates with bold flavors
• Josephine's Modern American Bistro: Located in a historic restored bungalow, this New American restaurant is known for its excellent food and outstanding service
• Tinderbox Kitchen: Get your fix of American comfort food and craft cocktails in a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere

Coconino Estates

Coconino Estates is a desirable historic neighborhood close to Downtown Flagstaff where most homes were built between the 1970s and the mid-1980s.

Since most homes in the neighborhood are older, Coconino Estates is the perfect place for those who want a mature neighborhood feel, larger backyards, and tree-lined streets.

Most homes in Coconino Estates sell between the low 600s and mid 700s.

Local Favorites:

• Pizzicletta: This intimate Italian restaurant is serving woof-fired Neapolitan pizzas and gelato
• Pato Thai Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Asian dishes, including curries and noodles, in an informal setting
• Bigfoot BBQ Restaurant and Catering: This laid-back barbecue restaurant is known for its southern dishes and friendly counter service

Doney Park

The neighborhood of Doney Park is a census-designated place in Coconino County and is a premier residential area found northeast of Flagstaff.

Located off of US Route 89, Doney Park is named after a northern Arizona pioneer named Kevin Doney and features a variety of home styles that vary in price from as low as the 200s to upwards of one million dollars.

Renowned for its large lot sizes and access to forest trailheads, there is no shortage of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

Local Favorites:

• Doney Coffee: Known for its fresh, affordable, and top-quality coffee beans that are all roasted with love and care
• Lund Canyon Coffee: This European-style coffee house serves specialty coffees and pastries
• Satchmo's: This New Orleans-style cafe is dishing out fantastic barbeque, gumbo, and other favorites

Flagstaff Ranch

Centered around the Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club, the Flagstaff Ranch community is recognized as one of the top Arizona private golf communities.

Just a few miles from the heart of Downtown Flagstaff, Flagstaff Ranch sits in the middle of the Coconino National Forest and features some of the most stunning architecture in the city.

Home to a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and member-led activities, there is always something to do when living in Flagstaff Ranch.

In our opinion -- Flagstaff Ranch is one of the best neighborhoods in Flagstaff, AZ!

Local Favorites:

• Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club: Founded in 2003, this private mountain golf club is member-owned and is surrounded by beautiful ponderosa pine trees
• Buffalo Park: This 215-acre park has a scenic mountain view, plenty of picnicking areas, and a two-mile hiking loop trail that is perfect for walking the dogs
• Ponderosa Trails Park: This small neighborhood park features a playground, picnic area, and walking paths

Highland Meadows

The private, paved community of Highland Meadows is found adjacent to the National Forest lands and provides some of the most stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks.

Offering a wide selection of home styles that vary in size, Highland Meadows is an affordable neighborhood surrounded by acres of wooded land. It offers its residents the perfect mountain escape.

Local Favorites:

• Campbell Mesa Loop Trail: This hiking area is a great place for a short walk, run, or nice bike ride
• Fatman's Loop Trail: Featuring short steep sections and easy walking trails that overlook the city and volcanic rock formations
• Foxglenn Park: This neighborhood gathering space features a large playground, open athletic fields, a skate park, and a garden that is filled with public art sculptures

Best Places to Live in Flagstaff, AZ - Final Thoughts

If you are wondering where you should live in Flagstaff before packing up all your belongings, you need to check out one of the above neighborhoods mentioned in this guide.

Whether you are looking for a quiet neighborhood to raise your family or an active community surrounded by some of the best hiking trails in the state, there is no right or wrong choice regarding finding homes for sale in Flagstaff.

If you are interested in buying a home in Flagstaff, please contact us today to connect with one of our knowledgeable Realty Specialists to kickstart your home-buying journey.

While we love helping you find the best neighborhoods in Flagstaff, our website also features other local area guides, including moving to Arizona and moving to Sedona.